NetPi Plus – Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Network Analyzer

NetPi Plus Build Guide

Introduction to NetPi Video:

Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Network Analyzer

Are you new here? Here’s what NetPi Plus is all about…

NetPi Plus is a Raspberry Pi 3 B+ project building on an earlier release attempting to build a network analyzer with comparable features to commercial solutions which can range over $1500. The project is open source, released under the GNU GPLv3 license. It runs on cheap hardware (the raspberry pi platform), and provides a large range of tools for network professionals and those new to the field. At this point, it likely is NOT a solution to replace a commercial product if it’s use would require guaranteed stability. It is, however, a fun project to get up and running, and can very likely be used in a home lab, school, hobby, or alongside a backup solution in commercial environments. What’s New? The Pi 3 B+ has a faster processor, and POE support (which I can’t use because it requires a hat which blocks the GPIO pins needed for the touch screen. The new NetPi Plus loads in about 18 seconds compared to 2 minutes for the previous versions.

Already familiar with the NetPi? Jump into the build guide below…

Current Features and Capabilities

CDP / LLDP – Neighbor Details from NetPi’s ethernet port

DIA Diagram Software – Build Topologies

Ping/Trace/Speed Test – Reports saved on every scan to access later

Wireshark / Wireless Scanner / Zen Map – Built in Pen Test toolkit

Remote Administration – Via VNC and SSH

More Features in development…

Ads to keep the packets flowing:

Build Guide

Ensure you read the supporting information below. If you would like to attempt to build this project without the provided IMG file, scripts and files (minus the OS – Raspbian) are available on the GitHub Repo. Keep in mind there are many battles to fight with Debian permissions to get everything tweaked just right.

Image File Download: (1.5GB – Use 7zip to uncompress)

[7-31-2018 Update] The image has been released. Tested on Raspberry Pi 3 B+ boards with the hardware identified in this build guide. If download links fail, be patient and let me know in the comments. Dropbox and Google Drive should be faster than the version hosted internally.

Details: Build V1.0 | Codename: Lightning | Release: 07312018

Hardware Used:

8 GB SanDisk MicroSD HC:AMAZON LINK – $6 – REQUIRED (Not necessarily this card, and size CAN vary, but it must be supported by the Raspberry Pi B+ (or 2 if you are using that board) as compatibility issues with MicroSD’s and the Pi is a real issue. See: http://elinux.org/RPi_SD_cards (NetPi uses Debian (Wheezy) as a Base OS)

Kuman 3.5in LCD Touch Panel:AMAZON LINK – $30 – REQUIREDish* (Primarily to make the device self-sustainable. *You can use the devices HDMI port and opt to NOT get this touch screen depending on your use (home lab, etc.). Future updates should allow easier remote control via a web interface. You may also VNC into the NetPiPOWER:

Ethernet PoE Splitter (802.3af):AMAZON LINK – $11 – REQUIREDish* (Allows for a more mobile build… but you need switches with PoE ports, else opt for a USB Battery for power).

USB Battery Charger: OPTIONAL – If you’d rather keep your NetPi Plus on without an Ethernet POE splitter, or for environments without PoE Switches.OPTIONAL:

FAVI Micro USB Keyboard:AMAZON LINK – $14 – OPTIONAL – This keyboard is perfect if you need to do any typing (The Pi can use a USB to Serial and console into network devices)… However primary developed features should not require extensive typing, and an on-screen keyboard is opened in such cases automatically.

Total without optional parts: Between $87 – 101. Shop around and you may find cheaper parts!

3 Comments

Issues with a original PI3
I am having issues with the original PI3 not the B with this image that when I click on either the Stealth mode or active mode the network card will then disconnect and I loose the VNC session. It seems to keep flapping like this. Can this image be used with the original Pi3?

If it’s operational on the 3 (non-B) and either the touchscreen is working or you’re not utilizing it… that’s a solid start. Regarding the VNC connections dropping, it should be noted that the “Stealth mode” actually places some iptable rules in an attempt to prevent CDP/LLDP/Broadcast traffic from leaving the device to prevent the network devices from “hearing” the NetPi once connected. I’ll take a look at those iptable rules and make sure nothing slipped by me (most of the leg work on that task was during the previous generation of this project).